More than 85% of healthcare CEOs say aging population and evolving technology will transform the sector, survey shows

Long-term care providers seeking to leverage new technology are part of a much larger trend: 86% of global healthcare CEOs believe that tech will fundamentally transform the sector in the next five years, according to a new survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

While leaders in many business sectors recognized the transformative power of technology, healthcare CEOs are particularly attuned to how an aging population also will be a major factor in the coming years. About 85% of healthcare leaders cited demographic changes as a “transformative trend,” compared with 60% of all respondents.

Healthcare is at an inflection point when it comes to technology adoption, the survey suggests. While 93% percent of healthcare CEOs said they plan to change their technology investments, only 33% have done so already.

The implications of the survey seem clear: Healthcare companies are on the verge of making big investments in their technological capabilities. The long-term care sector certainly is part of this trend, according to Gregory L. Alexander, Ph.D., of the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing.

Alexander, one of the foremost experts on how technology is being adopted in long-term care, will be a featured speaker at the 8th annual McKnight's Online Expo this month. His session, “How tech tools are changing the face of LTC,” will take place at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on March 26.

The two-day Expo will feature a total of five webcasts, and a continuing education credit is available for each. The event also includes a virtual exhibit hall with 15 vendors, among other offerings. Registration is ongoing for the free event. Click here to reserve your spot.